Courtesy Photo The old pier at Rockport State Recreation Area sits in the blue water of Lake Huron in this photo from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ website for the park. The DNR is considering building a large, modern campground at Rockport, which has divided Northeast Michigan residents.

ALPENA — Alpena-area residents are split about a proposed campground at Rockport State Recreation Area.

The campground would include 169 camping sites, a dark sky interpretive area, telescopes for looking out over Lake Huron, and a boat launch and separate kayak launch, among other amenities.

The 4,237-acre park is a dark sky preserve, meaning it’s free from light pollution and the perfect spot for stargazing.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has not yet developed a cost estimate for the project and has established no timeline for when the project would begin — if it does at all.

The DNR is currently accepting public comment on the plan and will decide afterward whether to move forward.

Northeast Michigander Jeff Fairchild, a photographer, said Rockport holds a special place in his heart and allows him to take photos of nature that would be difficult to take anywhere else. He said he unwinds there by riding his bike up and down the trails and meditating in the relaxing environment the park offers.

Fairchild said a large campground would change the dynamic of Rockport forever — and not for the better.

“People need to know what the project all entails, and I don’t think everyone really knows,” he said. “I think there is way too much modernization in the plan that will cut into its uniqueness of not being like the other state parks. I think there are basic improvements that can be done to make it more user-friendly, instead of making it another generic state park like the rest of them.”

Alpena’s Jessica Hatch, an avid camper who visits campgrounds around the state, said she supports the DNR’s plan.

“As someone who loves to stay at Michigan state campgrounds, I do think this would work well in that area,” Hatch said. “The campground will only take up a small portion of the over 4,000 acres in the park. The proposal is for more than just a campground. They also want to put in more trails, as well. Campgrounds can coexist with dark sky preserves. It seems people think that campgrounds are all parties with bright lights and loud, but that’s not reality.”

Area resident Kristie Bruning said she utilizes the park often and fears the impact a large campground would have on the natural resources, wildlife, and character the recreation area has now.

“The introduction of a campground would fundamentally alter the character of this area,” Bruning said. “The inevitable increase in foot traffic, noise, and activity would disrupt the very essence of what makes this place special. Many of us come here specifically to enjoy the silence, the sounds of nature, and the opportunity to reflect away from the distractions of modern life.”

Area resident Edith Templeton said the park is underused and opening a campground would bolster tourism for all of Northeast Michigan. She said a state park would lure people into the area who have never visited it before, which would help small businesses and area attractions.

“I don’t really see how this is bad,” she said. “When we go camping, we spend hundreds of dollars and usually take several trips into town to check things out. Right now, it is hard to get a campsite anywhere in the state, so the demand is there and will continue to be. The plan leaves many of the things that makes the park what it is now, but builds on them.”

The plan for the campground is phase two of the state’s general management plan for Rockport. The plan, crafted in 2010, says any campground would need to have little impact on Rockport’s natural resources.

Tiffany Bough, of Long Lake, said her family camps in Alpena County and out of town. She said she would be fine whether the campground is built or not.

“We stay at a lot of state campgrounds, and most of them are great,” she said. “Would it change Rockport? Maybe. How much is hard to tell. If it is built, I’m sure we’ll use it for short weekend camping trips. If not, then Rockport will still be a wonderful place.”

Those who want to share their opinion on the proposed project have until Nov. 8 to submit comments by email to DNR-PRD-GaylordDistrict@Michigan.gov or via mail comments to Hoeft State Park, 5001 U.S.-23 N., Rogers City, Michigan, 49779.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.